There’s something utterly comforting about the smell of freshly baked rolls wafting through the kitchen. These Sweet Cream Cheese Rolls are everything you could want in a homemade treat — soft, airy, slightly tangy from the yogurt, and filled with a creamy, lightly sweetened cheese filling. Whether served with tea, coffee, or simply enjoyed as a snack, they bring warmth and joy to any table. This recipe uses a yeast dough enriched with egg yolks and butter, rolled out with a unique shaping technique that gives each roll a beautiful appearance and mouthwatering flavor. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to make them — just follow this detailed guide, and success is guaranteed!
Cooking Time
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Prep Time: 90 minutes (including dough rise)
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Bake Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
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Yield: 9 rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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300 ml milk (1.5 cups)
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8 g active dry yeast (2 tsp)
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80 g sugar (4 tbsp)
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5 g vanilla sugar (1 tsp)
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2 egg yolks
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60 ml yogurt (3 tbsp)
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550–600 g all-purpose flour (approx. 4 – 4 ½ cups)
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5 g salt (1 tsp)
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70 ml melted butter (4 tbsp)
For the Filling:
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400 g cream cheese or cottage cheese (about 14 oz)
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1 egg
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60 g sugar (3 tbsp)
For the Topping:
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1 egg yolk
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1 tbsp milk
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Whisk well until the yeast is dissolved.
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Add the egg yolks and yogurt to the milk mixture and whisk again.
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Gradually add flour, mixing with a spatula until a soft dough forms.
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Add salt and stir to incorporate.
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Add melted butter and knead the dough in the bowl for 1–2 minutes.
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Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for another 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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The dough should not stick to your hands — adjust with a bit more flour if needed.
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Grease the mixing bowl, return the dough to it, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and let rise for 50–60 minutes in a warm place.
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Once risen, the dough should weigh approximately 984 g. Divide it into 9 equal portions (about 109 g each).
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Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place on baking paper.
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Cover with a towel and let rest for 10–15 minutes.
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Meanwhile, prepare the filling by blending cream cheese, sugar, and egg until smooth. Transfer the filling into a piping bag.
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Roll out each ball into a 17–18 cm circle. Brush lightly with melted butter.
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Cut the dough into strips, stack them, press down the center with a stick, and make small diagonal cuts. Roll them into spirals.
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Transfer to a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
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Pipe the filling into the center of each roll.
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Mix 1 egg yolk with 1 tbsp milk and brush the tops of the rolls for a golden finish.
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Optionally, spray lightly with water for extra shine and softness.
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Bake at 180°C (360°F) for 24–26 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite warm drink.
Nutritional Information (Per Roll – Approximate)
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Calories: 325
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Protein: 9 g
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Fat: 15 g
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Carbohydrates: 38 g
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Sugar: 10 g
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Fiber: 1 g
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Calcium: 10% DV
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Sweet rolls with creamy fillings have a long-standing history in European and Middle Eastern cuisine. From Eastern European “Vatrushka” to German Quarkbrötchen, the combination of soft yeasted dough and cheese has transcended borders. These modern rolls are inspired by both traditional Eastern European baking and contemporary food presentation techniques, making them visually stunning and widely loved by home bakers around the world.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Soft, buttery texture that melts in your mouth
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Beautiful shaping that looks bakery-worthy
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Sweet, creamy filling that’s not overly sugary
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Uses simple pantry ingredients
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Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack
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Freezes well for later enjoyment
Health Benefits
While these are indulgent treats, they also offer some nutritional perks:
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Dairy-rich: Cream cheese and milk provide calcium and protein.
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Egg yolks: Supply vitamins A, D, and B12.
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Yogurt: Adds probiotics and helps digestion.
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Cheese filling: Satiating and protein-rich, helping control appetite.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar.
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Pair with a drizzle of honey or fruit compote.
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Perfect for brunch alongside fresh fruit and tea.
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Add a cup of matcha, latte, or black tea for a classic European-style breakfast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Dough too dry: Don’t add all the flour at once — start with 550g and adjust.
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Overproofing: Dough should double, not triple.
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Undermixing filling: Make sure it’s creamy to avoid lumpy textures.
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Cutting too deep during shaping: Gentle cuts are enough for design.
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Oven too hot: Stick to 180°C (360°F) to avoid burning the edges.
Pairing Recommendations
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Beverages: Sweet milk tea, black coffee, chai, or fruit tea.
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Savory counterpart: Pair with a salty egg and spinach frittata for balance.
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Fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, or peach slices complement the cheese filling perfectly.
Cooking Tips
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Warm your milk to about 38–40°C (100–104°F) to activate yeast optimally.
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Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Let the shaped dough rest for 10 minutes before filling to prevent cracking.
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Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing.
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Store rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month.
Similar Recipes to Try
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Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Icing
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Cream Cheese Danish
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Brioche Cream Buns
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Eastern European Vatrushka
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Stuffed Sweet Buns with Jam
Variations to Try
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Fruit Twist: Add a spoon of raspberry or apricot jam inside with the cream cheese.
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Chocolate Swirl: Mix cocoa powder into the dough or filling.
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Nutty Delight: Add crushed walnuts or almonds to the filling.
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Savory version: Replace sugar with herbs and add ricotta with spinach.
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Mini Rolls: Make smaller portions for bite-sized party treats.
Ingredient Spotlight: Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is the heart of the filling in this recipe. It’s mild, creamy, and slightly tangy, complementing the sweetened dough beautifully. High in calcium and protein, it provides richness and structure. You can also use farmer’s cheese or ricotta for a more textured or lighter version. Always use full-fat versions for best results in baking.
Conclusion
These Sweet Cream Cheese Rolls are a must-try for anyone who loves home baking. They are soft, fragrant, and just sweet enough to satisfy your cravings without being overpowering. The process is straightforward and forgiving — perfect for beginners and pros alike. Bake them for a cozy family breakfast, weekend brunch, or even as a thoughtful gift. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Use the same amount and skip the blooming step, but make sure the milk is still warm.
2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can use ricotta, farmer’s cheese, or even Greek yogurt thickened with a bit of cornstarch.
3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes. Let it rise, then refrigerate overnight. Shape and bake the next day.
4. How do I reheat the rolls?
Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
5. Can I freeze the dough or finished rolls?
Yes, both freeze well. For dough, freeze after shaping; for rolls, freeze after baking.
6. Why did my rolls come out too dry?
You may have added too much flour or overbaked them. Stick to the lower end of the flour range and bake for 24–26 minutes max.
7. Can I add fruit to the filling?
Absolutely! Berries or chopped dried fruit like raisins work beautifully with cream cheese.
8. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make a shallow well for the filling and don’t overfill. Also, don’t cut too deep during shaping.
9. What type of flour is best?
All-purpose flour is ideal. Avoid bread flour, which makes the texture too chewy.
10. Are these good for special occasions?
Yes! Their beautiful shape and rich taste make them perfect for holidays, birthdays, or brunch gatherings.